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A mental health champion has urged the people of Cheshire to look out for each other especially given the added pressures due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Chris Lynch emphasised the ongoing importance of kindness and compassion in support of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 18-24).

Chris, a governing body lay member for NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is a passionate advocate for services co-designed by service users.

He pointed to a number of resources already in place locally to support people including the new 24/7 mental health helpline on 0300 303 3972 for anyone needing urgent support.

Chris said: “It is really positive that a 24/7 mental health crisis line was fast-tracked to support people amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“Staying at home and practising social distancing has been difficult for many of us, but it is vital that people continue to access the care and support they need, when they need it. It is also heartening to see the many acts of compassion and kindness which are helping people throughout the COVID-19 response.”

Number 71 at 71 St Anne Street, Newtown, Chester

Earlier this year, a mental health crisis café – Number 71 – was launched in Chester to enable more people to access the care and help they need. Due to coronavirus, a telephone service only – 01244 393139 – is available at the moment, between 10am until 10.30pm daily, for people struggling with low to moderate mental health issues.

In future, people will be able to visit the wellbeing resource centre in person.

Designed in collaboration with people with lived experience of mental ill-health, the centre involved the conversion of an existing NHS facility at 71 St Anne Street, Newtown.

Chris argues it is vital to establish places in the community like Number 71 where people can go in times of crisis to receive help from peers and supportive staff, without always medicalising the situation.

Mental Health support and services

Helplines and support groups

The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.

Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.

“Only by involving you can we ensure health and care services truly meet your needs,” he explained.

Six community-based, self-referral crisis beds are also now in place across Cheshire for people experiencing a mental health crisis and in need of support and a place of safety.

This is just one of a string of improvements made to mental health services following a public consultation on proposals to redesign care for people suffering serious, long-term ill health. Other developments have included £4.5m investment in two new state-of the-art inpatient mental health wards in Macclesfield.

The consultation and resulting improvements have been shortlisted in the Health Service Journal (HSJ) Value Awards 2020 in the Mental Health Service Redesign Initiative category, with the winners due to be announced in September.

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Chris added: “We’re in unprecedented times and any one of us can experience mental health issues at some time. You’d seek treatment if you broke your leg, and it shouldn’t be any different for your mental health.

“I’ve experienced anxiety, depression and manic episodes on and off for the last 30 years and it’s been the help from the community and peer support that has made the biggest single difference on a day-to-day basis. Like my colleagues at the CCG, I’m passionate about working with people and communities to help improve the health and care of everyone in Cheshire.”